The area of Structures and Dynamics consists of structural
dynamics and simulation and air vehicle dynamics. Within
structural dynamics, priority research applies to ground
vehicle and multibody dynamics, structural damping, and smart
structures. The goal of significant vibration reduction in
army vehicles offers substantial increases in weapons
platform stability, weapons system reliability, weapons
lethality, and crew performance. Within air vehicle dynamics,
priority research applies to integrated aeromechanics
analysis, rotorcraft numerical analysis, helicopter blade
loads and dynamics, and projectile elasticity. In solid
mechanics, research areas are the mechanical behavior of
materials, integrity and reliability of structures, and
tribology. The latter area contributes to damage tolerance,
damage control, and life prediction, while tribology
contributes to lubrication, dynamic friction, and low heat
rejection.

Basic research in fluid dynamics can directly contribute
to advances in predicting the capabilities of maneuvering
projectiles. Future advances would enhance the ability to
predict the capabilities of smart munitions, integrated
propulsion systems, flight dynamics, guidance and control,
and structural dynamics within the Army. Fluid dynamics
research priority areas are unsteady aerodynamics,
aeroacoustics, and vortex dominated flows. Complementary
research on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of multibody
aerodynamics would provide a capability to predict and define
submunition dispensing systems. Multidisciplinary research in
this area will lead to hypervelocity launch technology as
well as low speed military delivery systems.

Combustion and Propulsion research supports advanced
technology development providing continued advancement in
small gas turbine engine propulsion, reciprocating engine
propulsion, and solid, liquid, and novel gun propulsion
technology. The development of high performance small gas
turbine engines requires basic research in turbomachinery
stall and surge, as well as advances in CFD simulation. These
basic research areas directly contribute to highly loaded,
efficient turbomachinery components. This type of research is
necessary to meet the Integrated High Performance Turbine
Engine Technology (IHPTET) goals of a 120% increase in turbo
shaft power to weight ratio. Reciprocating engine technology
research tends to move forward at a more evolutionary pace
with advances in ultra-low heat rejection, enhanced air
utilization, and cold start phenomena as priority areas.
Solid gun propulsion technology requires research priority to
be placed on ignition and combustion dynamics and high
performance solid propellant charge concepts. Liquid gun
propulsion requires priority research in atomization and
spray combustion, ignition and combustion mechanisms, and
combustion instability, hazards and vulnerability. Novel gun
propulsion depends on electrothermal-chemical (ECT)
propulsion, active control mechanisms, and novel ignition
mechanisms.

In the field of Structures and Dynamics, the UK, Germany,
Italy, France, and Japan all demonstrate
world class capabilities in smart/active structures and
modeling and simulation development. India, South
Korea, China, Brazil, Israel, South
Africa, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine
all demonstrate potential future capabilities in the same
area. However Russia and Ukraines
potential appears to be dwindling because of lack of
resources. The UK also demonstrates a world class
capability in structural acoustic research and development.

A balanced world class capability in the theoretical,
experimental and CFD elements of fluid dynamics research is
not resident in any single foreign country. There are a
number of examples of world class capability in specific
areas of research which hold promise for military
applications. Computational fluid dynamics studies in the UnitedKingdom, France, and Japan can
contribute significantly to missile, rotor and explosive
design. France and Japan also excel in
theoretical ability and Japan also exhibits excellent
experimental ability. The UK, France ,and Germany
are maintaining a mature experimental capability. Both Russia
and Ukraine have had mature experimental and
theoretical ability, however they show a declining
capability, largely due to a lack of resources.

In the Combustion and Propulsion area, the UK and France
both demonstrate world class capabilities in small gas
turbine engine development. Canada, Germany,
and Japan approach this level of capability in limited
areas, but show good potential over the next decade to make
significant contributions to small gas turbine power to
weight ratio improvement. Germany leads in
reciprocating engine development technology with Japan
also demonstrating world class capability. Both countries
particularly excel in the application of ceramic materials to
low heat rejection technology. The UK also
demonstrates excellent reciprocating engine development
capability, with France, Canada, Australia,
and South Korea exhibiting good future potential. Russia
and Ukraine both have demonstrated mature capability
in the past, however limited resources reflect a declining
future potential. Novel gun propulsion technology leadership
is still maintained by Russia, however their future
growth potential may be muted. Liquid gun propulsion
development technology is lead by the UK with Japan
showing significant potential. Solid gun propulsion
development technology is resident in a number of countries
including the UK, France, Germany, Canada,
and Australia. Japan and South Africa
both demonstrate significant future potential.